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T O P I C R E V I E W

SpaceKSCBlog

These markers were installed earlier this week at Universal Camera Site 7, on the Cape Road about halfway between LC-39A and 39B.

I was told by the bus driver there was a billboard south of 39A during the Apollo era that was long ago demolished. Does anyone know anything about that? Have a link to a photo?

garymilgrom

Those are wonderful - very attractive. Kudos to NASA or whoever for the idea.

Are they made of something that will withstand the Florida climate?

LM-12

There is a 1972 photo of Apollo 17 and that Pad 39A billboard on this website.

SpaceKSCBlog

quote:Originally posted by garymilgrom:Are they made of something that will withstand the Florida climate?

The back appears to be steel painted black. Can't say what the signs are made of.

Like anything here in the Space Coast, it only takes a strong enough hurricane to consign it to history.

SpaceKSCBlog

quote:Originally posted by LM-12:There is a 1972 photo of Apollo 17 and that Pad 39A billboard on this website.

Thanks for the reference, that makes sense. I was told remnants were once there, but all that remains now are the connections for the lights, the driver said. I'll have to go out and look myself some day.

J.L

quote:Originally posted by SpaceKSCBlog:These markers were installed earlier this week at Universal Camera Site 7, on the Cape Road about halfway between LC-39A and 39B.

Is that the 500F paint scheme on that Saturn V?

SpaceKSCBlog

I went out this morning to shoot photos at the location where I think the old Apollo billboard was:

This is all that remains:

LM-12

That looks like the spot. I remember the billboard and how impressed I was seeing the Saturn 5 on the pad from that viewing location - just like the Apollo 17 photo.

SpaceKSCBlog

quote:Originally posted by LM-12:That looks like the spot. I remember the billboard and how impressed I was seeing the Saturn 5 on the pad from that viewing location - just like the Apollo 17 photo.

Thanks again for the help. I may order that 1972 image from FloridaMemory.com.

quote:Originally posted by LM-12:That looks like the spot. I remember the billboard and how impressed I was seeing the Saturn V on the pad from that viewing location - just like the Apollo 17 photo.

I am guessing that the LC-39 marker was out there at the tourist stop for at least 10 years.

Jim Behling

quote:Originally posted by J.L: I am guessing that the LC-39 marker was out there at the tourist stop for at least 10 years.

Much longer. More than 20. It was there in the 90's.

Fra Mauro

I'm not suprised that the markers are gone.

mgspacecadet

Thank you very much for this posting on the new LC-39 markers. I was involved in the project to get these signs installed. As you might imagine, some number of individuals were involved.

During this project, we researched the previous sign(s) installed in the vicinity of LC39A. We (me and fellow KSC associates) believe there were two versions of the vintage sign (only ever showing Apollo launches and removed some years ago); one with white letters on black background, as shown above (and versions with and without lights) and one with black letters on white background. We were unable to find, through our research, a photo of the white background sign. Please post/send me same if you find.

LM-12

Where is this Apollo 11 plaque located?

This description says it was placed at the launch site in 1974. Is it near the new markers shown in the first two photos?

J.L

quote:Originally posted by LM-12:Where is this Apollo 11 plaque located?

I took this photo of it in January of 1975. It was near the large blue LC-39 history sign (in the gravel lot) at the tour stop. Sorry about the bird decorations.

mgspacecadet

Great posting everyone!

With the addition of the new signs at LC-39 A/B, there is now signage at all the US human spaceflight launch sites and missions to date, in some fashion, less one. Believe it or not, there is a great plaque and such on the LC-5 blockhouse noting Alan Shepard's flight, but nothing on same about Gus Grissom's 'Liberty Bell 7' flight. I am working to see what I can do to change that.

LM-12

Is Apollo 7 mentioned at LC-34?

mgspacecadet

Here are several more photos of the various historic signs at LC-39.

This is what I will call the first, black background sign, updated through Apollo 11 and another of a photo apparently autographed by Ken Mattingly.

And courtesy of J.L., here is a shot from May 1971 and the Apollo 15 rollout:

And lastly, a photo taken by J.L. in 1979 with space shuttle Enterprise on the pad.

mgspacecadet

quote:Originally posted by LM-12:Is Apollo 7 mentioned at LC-34?

Apollo 7 is covered in the kiosk at LC-34.

LM-12

The launch towers may be demolished and some of the launch pads may be hard to recognize, but it is good to see that work is being done to place and maintain plaques or markers at all the manned launch sites at both Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center.

LM-12

quote:Originally posted by J.L:I took this photo of it in January of 1975.